The final night of Reading’s Annual Town Meeting took place in the Hawkes Fieldhouse due to a scheduling conflict with the RMHS Spring Concert. The evening included robust discussion and votes on several remaining articles, including the highly debated pickleball project, infrastructure investments, and zoning bylaw updates.

On Monday night, Reading’s Annual Town Meeting continued with an in-depth review and debate over the town’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget and the beginning of a spirited discussion on Article 14 - the proposed pickleball courts project.

Annual Town Meeting resumed on Thursday, May 1, with a Special Town Meeting dedicated to two major capital projects that will soon be decided by the broader community: the Killam School Building project and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL).

Town Meeting kicked off on April 28 with historical reflections, spirited debate, and key votes on capital projects, veterans’ benefits, and downtown improvements. Here’s a quick recap of what happened - and what’s still to come.

Reading’s public infrastructure is aging. School and municipal buildings have an expected lifespan of about 50 years. With Reading’s school buildings averaging 29 years and municipal buildings averaging 35 years in age, the town faces a critical moment to reinvest in its future.

For residents looking to stay informed on town government, the April 14 Select Board meeting covered several key topics ranging from leadership changes to local regulation updates. Below is a summary of the most important discussions and decisions made, with added context for how they may impact the Reading community.

On March 28, town officials and community members gathered at the Pleasant Street Center for a presentation on the proposed Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project. The discussion covered the project’s location, cost, financial impact, and opportunities for further community engagement.

On March 26, the Reading Democratic Town Committee and Reading Republican Town Committees co-sponsored the official Select Board Candidate Forum, providing an opportunity for residents to hear directly from candidates. The event was held in the Community Room at the Reading Public Library and was recorded by RCTV for those unable to attend in person. The forum was moderated by Jen Hillery, with Bob Holmes serving as the interviewer.

• Vote for in-person early voting on Saturday March 29, 2025, for April election

• Vote to approve Re-World (formerly Covanta) waste disposal

• Master plan & capital projects priorities discussion

• Pleasant Street Center discussion

• Vote to appoint Town Accountant to a term of July 2025 - June 2026

• Discuss/vote to authorize debt from MWRA local financial assistance program

• Pickleball design and cost update/discussion

• ReCAL discussion and vote of support

• Vote to close the Town Meeting warrant

• Retreat discussion

• Vote on Inter-Municipal Agreement for animal control

• Master Plan pre-discussion/logistics

The MBTA recently presented plans for the Turnback Track Project, aimed at improving train frequency and modernizing service.

• Grey Coach Road Discussion and Vote to turn streetlight back on

• Discuss/vote for in-person early voting for April Election

• Discussion on logistics/process for holding Special Election

• ReCAL cost update/discussion

• Preview Town Meeting Warrant